SPC President’s Message – November 2026

Dear SER Students, Postdocs, and Early-Career Professionals,

I’m defending my dissertation this month, and it has had me reflecting on how important mentorship, support, and community are throughout graduate training and as we move into the next stages of our careers. Those connections are a large part of what I hope the Student & Postdoc Committee can continue strengthening across SER.

Thank you to everyone who has shared ideas and feedback with SPC this year. Early responses to our 2026 SPC Member Survey point to an important opportunity: nearly two-thirds of respondents so far identified lack of awareness of SPC events and opportunities as a barrier to involvement, while nearly three-quarters of those who answered the volunteer question said they would be interested in contributing. If you have not yet completed the survey, please take a few minutes to share your feedback through the SPC Member Survey. Your responses will help guide our priorities around professional development, mentorship, communication, and opportunities for students and postdocs to become more involved.

You do not need to serve on the SPC board to contribute. You might volunteer at an SER meeting, help with a short-term SPC project, contribute to educational or career programming, mentor or be mentored, or simply share an idea. If you are interested in getting involved or have ideas about what you would like to see from SPC, please email us. You can also stay connected and learn more about SPC through the SER Student & Postdoc Committee webpage.

The 2027 SER Mid-Year Meeting will be held virtually February 1–5, 2027. Abstract submissions are open through November 15, and current SER members can attend at no additional cost. If you have work you would like to share, I encourage you to consider submitting an abstract and taking part in the meeting. The virtual format provides a great opportunity to present your work, hear emerging research, and connect with colleagues across epidemiology from wherever you are.

We are also looking ahead to the 2027 SER Annual Meeting, June 15–18 in Detroit. Annual Meeting abstract submissions open in November, and there will be many ways for students, postdocs, and early-career professionals to participate beyond presenting research. These include professional development and networking activities, volunteering at the Annual Meeting, and applying for SPC travel scholarships. I encourage you to explore these opportunities early and think about how you would like to be involved.

Please continue to stay connected, share what you need from SPC, and let us know how you would like to participate. Our committee and programming are strongest when they reflect the experiences, ideas, and priorities of the students, postdocs, and early-career professionals we serve.

Wishing everyone a productive and restorative end to the year.

Best,
Tendai N. R. Gwanzura, MPH
President, SER Student & Postdoc Committee